Manuel Antonio-Quepos, Costa Rica

One part of the large hill that we had to climb every day to get to our condo.

Gets you in shape fast.

Titi spider monkeys invade....
The famous, photogenic Costa Rican tree frog.

Happy Thanksgiving from Costa Rica. They of course do not have this holiday, but it seems to be a national mentality to give thanks every day. I am thankful for my life, my health and all those who I have the fortune of calling my friends.

This portion of my trip is referred to as my luxury vacation. Ive been having a wonderful time this week in a beautiful area on the southern Pacific coast of CR. My dad loves a challenge and he has had the entire thing planned out from beginning to end. Its been fantastic. we've had one thing planned each day, which has been plenty because the humidity is crazy and really wears you out.

After several months without seeing my parents its been wonderful to spend time with them. The first day we took a 3 hour private van ride to our apartment at Manuel Antonio Estates. Its a great spot on the edge of Quepos. It has its own acreage that you can explore and see wildlife. We have 2 bedrooms, bath, living room-kitchen. Weve been cooking our own breakfasts and just eating 2 meals and a snack a day. Its been great to really get some exercise and get out and see everything.

The first day we were set for great adventure with the Titi Canopy tour. It was a blast. You travel from platform to platform, 12 of them in all, suspended high in the air. The view and the experience was breathtaking. My parents did a magnificent job and a wonderful time was had by all. There was even an 88 year old lady who went with us. Age has no limit for experiencing life.

Then yesterday we had a magnificent 4 hour horse ride on a private farm. We went up hills, through rivers and to a waterfall. There were 24 people on the tour....way too many for me and some were very obnoxious and ruined some of the serenity, but I found my own way to make it tolerable. I secretly traded horses at the break with a lady who was being an idiot (speaking Spanish helps a lot!). She didn't know what happened until I was already gone! The Ticos here is so friendly, kind and really embrace hospitality and the country motto "pura vida". We are definitely experiencing the good life.

Today we had a wonderful tour of the Manual Antonio National Park. Ive naturally been waking early, so we took the 7am tour and had a wonderful 3 hour guided tour through the park. Our guide was a french lady who has lived here for 25 years, since she was 6. She did a great job, without her we would not have seen much of anything. She had a great eye to catch the sloths, birds, lizards etc. Ill soon post the photos. It was really fun and a great 2 mile walk.

I am so relaxed and getting used to going with the flow. My parents have been wonderful in adjusting to the different ways of life too. They went to the local laundromat with me. we've been shopping and they even took a public bus! Its been a great adventure and a great way to spend time together. Right now they are off on a sunset cruise and I am going to go see if the fun titi monkeys have arrived outside our condo again. Life is good. I hope that you are enjoying what today has brought you. It may not be the same, but the mentality is always a choice. I know I will do all I can to bring back the lessons I have learned here. The good life is how you live it. Peace.